Saturday, November 17, 2007

Amazing Grace, The Movie

This morning, I decided to stay home and watch the movie "Amazing Grace" on DVD. I couldn't have chosen a more inspiring movie to start my day.

I always liked the hymn "Amazing Grace". But, I never knew the story behind the popular hymn:

Amazing Grace (How sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ'd!

Thro' many dangers, toils and snare,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall profess, within the vail,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be for ever mine.

Lyrics by John Newton

The movie focuses on the efforts of William Wilberforce to abolish the slavery trade in the British Empire during the slavery era.

William was part of a small group of courageous men and women who were vocal in their efforts to end the slavery trade. As you can imagine, nothing comes easy when trying to bring social change and justice.

I won't reveal the details in my review. I hope you watch the movie to understand that justice and change comes slowly even in the 21st century.





Amazing Grace

1 comment:

annie said...

wow, i have never heard of this movie, or willian wilberforce. i will rent it soon. i love this song and have sung it many times but never knew the origin.

the grief of suffering of slaves runs in my blood i suppose. my great uncle Rev. Anthony Brewley was an abolitionist (along w/ my Great Grandfather, my Grandfather, and many other great uncles and uncles, all methodist preachers), although this brief description doesn't tell the whole story which is a story not well documented, of the freedom trains.

freedom is a long hard road best endured w/amazing grace. something i am lacking but is in my heart nonetheless.